Hijri
Vol 14, No 2 (2025): HIJRI (Author Geographical Coverage: Turkey and Indonesia)

POLYGAMY BETWEEN ETHICS AND LAW: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MUHAMMAD ABDUH’S AND MUHAMMAD SAYYID TANTAWI’S QUR’ANIC INTERPRETATIONS

Bagas Pangestu (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Yeti Dahliana (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Apr 2026

Abstract

The interpretation of polygamy-related verses in Islam remains a subject of continuous debate in both academic discourse and social practice. Al-Manar Tafsir by Muhammad Abduh and Al-Wasith Tafsir by Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi represent two distinct trends of modern Islamic thought in interpreting Surah an-Nisa verse 3. This study aims to analyze and compare the methodological approaches and conclusions of both exegetes regarding polygamy. Employing a qualitative method with a comparative literature-based approach, this research examines primary tafsir texts alongside relevant secondary sources. The findings reveal that Muhammad Abduh adopts a reformist interpretation emphasizing substantive justice and moral responsibility, thereby imposing strict limitations on polygamy. In contrast, Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi views polygamy within an applicable Islamic legal framework, considering material justice and social benefit in modern contexts. This study concludes that these interpretative differences reflect the dynamic nature of Islamic thought in responding to social change and contemporary challenges.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

hijri

Publisher

Subject

Religion Education

Description

Jurnal manajemen Kependidikan dan Keislaman is a peer-reviewed scientific periodical journal published by the Department of Islamic Education Management the Faculty of Tarbiyah Science and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara Medan. This journal is dedicated to publish ...